Kirsten Trambley reporting.

Elry Faulkner has been the Johnson County Sheriff since 1974 and is not seeking re-election. Republican Charles Harner is facing Democrat Norman Suits who joined his party’s campaign after primary-winner Jay Merchant passed away.

Harner is a lifelong resident of the county and has worked for the Department of Corrections since 1985 and for Johnson County as an auxiliary and part-time officer since 1988.

“I want to give up 29 years and some change of working with the State for this position and take about a 70% pay cut for something that I enjoy to do and want to do,” Harner said.

Suits moved to the area in the ‘80s to be near family. He worked for the Department of Corrections for more than 30 years including 10 years as an investigator. He retired as the Superintendent of Dixon Springs Boot Camp.

Suits says he wants to reestablish the D.A.R.E. program.

“It’s a matter of choosing who is going to be the stronger administrator and advocate for the deputies,” Suits said.

Suits says he wants to re-establish the D.A.R.E. program.

“Talking to kids at a young age, we can prevent them from making bad decisions later,” Suits said.

Harner believes deputies need a greater presence in the community.

“I want to keep the family atmosphere where people can be treated fair and just,” Harner said.

The election is November 4.